Responding To Christ’s Promises | Matthew 24:32-35

Scripture

• Matthew 24:32–35

About this sermon

Introduction: Our Lord has given an outline of events that take us to the end of the age and His return from Heaven. The fact that He CAN do this — tell us what will happen in this world before it happens —, and that He assumes the AUTHORITY to do this, testifies to the greatness of His person. It demonstrates the truth about His identity and nature. Jesus is the Son of God. But having done this, He now speaks to His disciples about the APPLICATION of His words. And the concern that Christ demonstrates about the APPLICATION of His words is timeless. THIS IS WHAT HE ALWAYS WANTS HIS DISCIPLES TO DO. The majority of the Olivet Discourse is prophetic. It is futuristic. There are specific aspects of it that will only be able to be applied by the people alive when the events occur. AND YET THESE WORDS HAVE BEEN PRESERVED AND GIVEN TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF GOD FOR ALL TIME. Why? One reason is because THERE ARE PRINCIPLES that are made evident through this kind of instruction that are NEEDFUL for ALL OF US. The words of Christ call for an alertness and a readiness to obey that is timeless. This morning we think about RESPONDING to Christ’s promises. We have the words of God. We have the words of Christ. How do BELIEVERS respond to those words — whether the words address what ALREADY exists, or they address WHAT WILL exist? Take note of what Jesus says to His disciples about His words and how believers are to respond to His words. • THE ANALOGY CHRIST GIVES (vs.32) The first thing that we see is that Jesus makes use of a very simple analogy, an illustration, a comparison, SO THAT what He wants IS MADE CLEAR. Jesus gives truth to His people for them TO KNOW, not for them to be CONFUSED. Parables served two purposes in the ministry of Christ. To reveal and to conceal. To bless and to judge. When a parable was explained it served to CLARIFY meaning. When a parable was unexplained it served to CLOAK meaning — it served like a riddle. Sometimes a parable was an expression of gracious blessing — it clarified truth. Sometimes a parable was an expression of judgment — it judged a refusal to hear the truth. ESV Matthew 13:10 Then the disciples came and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" 11 And he answered them, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: "'"You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive." 15 For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.' This parable is meant to clarify. This parable is meant to reveal. AND YET IT POINTS TO RESPONSIBILITY ON THE PART OF DISCIPLES. Μανθάνω – LEARN. Understand this parable and allow it to serve you. KNOW what you should know because of this illustration. What is the illustration. Very simple. TREES GIVE SIGNS THAT SEASONS ARE UPON US. Just like the changes that take place in trees can identify an approaching season, so the signs that Jesus has just given them, must be recognized, and heeded. THE FIG TREE. Many interpreters have tried to make something of Christ’s reference to the fig tree that He clearly didn’t intend. This isn’t about the nation Israel coming into existence in 1948. Luke’s account makes clear that this was a general illustration about ANY tree that isn’t an evergreen. ESV Luke 21:29 And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. • THE APPLICATION CHRIST COMMANDS (vs.33) So, just as trees undergo changes just prior to particular seasons, so the things that Jesus has described will point to the season of His return. An increasing frequency and intensity in the birth pains. The abomination of desolation and all that follows. These things will indicate the time of Christ’s return IS RIGHT AT THE DOORS. AND WHEN THAT TIME ARRIVES, BELIEVERS WILL BE CALLED TO ACTION. YOU MUST RECOGNIZE THESE SIGNS AND DO EXACTLY WHAT JESUS HAS TOLD YOU. THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE that is timeless is that everything our God has prepared us for with His word REQUIRES THE SPIRITUAL ALERTNESS to recognize what He has prepared us for and REQUIRES BELIEVING HIM so that we apply His words to those situations.

Topics

• Jesus Christ